The recent sweeping revision to the immigration law opens a gateway for as many as 345,000 migrant workers to enter Japan in the next five years. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, however, has repeatedly said the new visa system does not constitute an immigration policy.

"This system is needed for talented foreign personnel to play bigger roles in Japan amid the nationwide labor shortage," Abe said in justifying the revision at a Dec. 10 news conference.

"We will clearly present a cap for the numbers and time frame for acceptance. This is not an immigration policy."